Two motorists die after vehicle trapped under semi-truck in Troy

A morning crash and fire that rendered northbound I-75 closed for at least six hours early this morning has left two currently unidentified motorists dead after their vehicle was trapped under a semi-truck.

Firefighters and police officials were sent to the scene of the collision just after midnight. Reports detailed that a semi-truck was on fire on northbound I-75, north of Rochester Road.

While the fire was being put out, officials noticed what looked like another car under the semi. It was mangled so badly by the flames, it was nearly indistinguishable, said Troy Assistant Fire Chief David Roberts.

“There was no license plate that we could see,” Roberts said. “It was even hard to tell what kind of vehicle it was. In fact, I think (officials) still don’t know exactly what kind of vehicle it was.”

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Two people who were inside of the trapped car have been confirmed dead.

The pair who were found inside the car were burned so badly that most officials involved assume they will have to be identified by dental records. Both are scheduled for an autopsy this morning, according to Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office investigators.

The details of the initial crash are somewhat mysterious, as there are very few witnesses at this point, said Troy Police Department Sgt. Andy Breidenich Monday morning.

The driver of the Art Van semi, who suffered only minor injuries in the accident, told police he was able to escape before the flames grew, said Breidenich.

After the crash, he told officials his “truck jack-knifed, then caught on fire. He was able to get out of it, but later, had no idea he hit a car,” Breidenich said of the initial investigation.

The driver was treated at the scene by emergency personnel.

Another witness said they saw the car, which could only initially be identified as a Pontiac following the incident, driving slowly with its hazard lights on along the highway.

“There’s not much more we know about how the crash happened,” said Breidenich. “We’re still investigating.”

At one point during the fire, the semi’s fuel tanks ruptured, causing burning diesel fuel to spread along the highway and leak into drain pipes.

After the blaze was extinguished, a HAZMAT team was called to the scene to handle the spill, and the Michigan Department of Transportation was notified for extra cleanup assistance. The northbound lanes of I-75 were reopened around 6 a.m.

Staff writer John Turk covers the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, police and general assignment. He can be reached at 248-745-4613.